In a race hyped as a heavyweight rematch between top-tier runners Funcaandun and Commandant, it was Anthony Nunes’ American-bred colt Barnaby who stole the spotlight, as he produced a stunning late burst to capture the fifth running of the Ian Levy Cup and book a spot in the prestigious Mouttet Mile later this year.

Piloted by the ever-cool Tevin Foster, Barnaby, sent off at odds of 5-1 , turned in a career-best performance over eight-and-a-half furlongs (1,700m), swooping from behind to deny the local darling Atomica by three-quarters of a length in a thrilling finish at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The four-year-old American-bred bay colt (Tapiture-Giants Diva) completed the journey in 1:43.4, behind crisp fractions of 23.4, 46.1, 1:10.4, and 1:37.1, as he seems set for what could be a blockbuster season.

Breaking sharply from the inside draw, Barnaby settled mid-pack as Atomica (Omar Walker), Run Julie Run (Dick Cardenas), Funcaandun (Robert Halledeen), and Commandant (Raddesh Roman) all took turns applying pressure up front. By the time the race reached the half-mile mark, Walker had let Atomica roll, opening up daylight between herself and the field.

With Funcaandun and Tiz Tok (Shane Ellis) grinding away in pursuit, Barnaby still lingered in sixth, biding his time. But once they straightened for the run home, Foster asked the question, and Barnaby responded.

Trainer Anthony Nunes (second left) and his connections share a photo opportunity with Barnaby. (Photos: Caymanas Racing)

And explode he did. Under strong right-hand urging, Barnaby surged past the tiring pack, storming the inside and reeling in Atomica inside the final strides. The local-bred filly, who appeared home and dry a furlong out, had no answer to the American’s final punch.

Funcaandun stayed on for third, with Tiz Tok grabbing fourth, while Commandant — expected to feature prominently — was pulled up at the back, a disappointing end to his much-anticipated clash with the reigning Horse of the Year.

Meanwhile, Raddesh Roman dominated the day’s proceedings with four wins to extend his lead atop the jockeys’ standings. Roman booted home Gary Subratie's Sensational Move and Flybluejet in the second and eighth races, as well as I am Interested for Joseph Thomas in the third race and Tigray Express in the nightcap.

That final win also completed a birthday treble for trainer Peter-John Parsard, who earlier saddled Blu Sensation and I’m Outstanding to victory.